Implementation of a Spanish Community Health Worker Training Program

Increasing Spanish-speaking community health workers and fostering health career interest among Hispanic high school students in Wisconsin

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Full Project Name:Implementation of a Spanish Community Health Worker Training ProgramPrimary Community Organization:Milwaukee Area Health Education CenterPrimary Academic Partner:Leslie Ruffalo, PhD, MS, Family MedicineAward Amount:$250,000

Award Date

July2024

Project Duration:24 months

Project Description Narrative:

There is a growing shortage of healthcare workers across the country, and in Wisconsin, there is also a significant issue of disparities in quality of healthcare throughout the state. Research has shown that community health workers (CHWs) can create positive effects on access to care and health outcomes, and Wisconsin expects to see a 72% growth in CHW employment by 2028.

Through this project, the Milwaukee Area Health Education Center will expand the recruitment and training of CHWs from underserved communities statewide by making CHW training accessible to Spanish-speaking populations, including high school students.

This strategy will not only increase the number of CHWs in the state, but also provide early exposures and experiences to students to foster their interest and engagement in healthcare careers, developing a pipeline of CHWs who can enter the state’s healthcare workforce and work in health systems, health departments, and community-based organizations, among other health employers.